How do you rate peoples answers?

I usually agree with those that make sense to me or are something I would have written.

Then again...those that make me laugh have an excellent chance of getting my vote. ; )

I've changed the way I rate answers after Yahoo changed whether they give points or not.

I give a thumbs-down to the answers that are potentially harmful.

I give a thumbs-up to answers that show a good amount of critical thinking, whether I agree with them or not. (In my book, particularly witty responses also show critical thinking.) This also means that they have to customize the response to the question, not just copy-paste a web site or give general platitudes. They must also do more than just give an answer: they should explain why the answer is correct. Citing useful sources for more information helps as well.

While I try not to be too picky, I will not give a thumbs-up to something with particularly bad grammar or spelling, whether it shows critical thinking or not.

Otherwise, I just leave it alone and don't rate it.

i rate the rubbish questions by picking the first answer to get the point, but any interesting questions I rate by seeing the ones that make me laugh and agree..

atleast I told you the truth

Well lifes not always a joke...I try to rate them on being answered the best...sometime people ask serious questions that deserve a responsible answer to the best of that persons ability...

I rate an individual's overall quality profile by observing his Best Answers' percentage. Take Kevin's example, and you can rate his wisdom (quality) and efficiency (quantity). He is currently SECOND on the world leadership board, having been just overtaken by Ms. Jane Furrows, our current leader (in FIRST position).

I rate them well if they make sense and if they have something to do with the question. And even if they don't make sense...as long as they make me laugh.

I rate them by the ones that are sensable and reasonable, and that can really actually help someone out.

I don't rate any answers any more even best ones, because it's pointless (pun intended).

facts given, the presentability of the answers as in the words used ( no profanity, etc) and by their honesty.

by the one I agree with the most